Malagasy Locust Update, Second Dekad of January 2014

A low pressure area that formed in the Mozambique Channel and moved to the west coast of Madagascar generated above normal moisture and created favorable conditions for locusts to breed and develop. The prevailing wind was northeasterly in the invasion areas, but changed directions from northerly at the beginning to easterly by mid-dekad in the outbreak areas and affect swarm movements.

Extensive aerial surveys were carried out during the 2nd dekad of January to assess the situation and determine redeployment of operational bases for the coming months. Mature and immature adults as well as hoppers were detected in various areas in the outbreak, invasion, concentration, and multiplication areas. Copulation and egg laying were also observed during this period. Given favorable ecological conditions and vast dispersion of parental populations locust activities will increase and outbreaks will occur in several places in the coming months (DPV-FAO).